Deepika Padukone to launch foundation for mental health awareness

One of Bollywood's strongest leading ladies, Deepika Padukone has plans to launch her own foundation for improving mental health awareness, reported The Hindu.

Deepika, who herself has suffered from clinical depression, announced that the foundation named 'Live Love Laugh' will officially open its doors on World Mental Health Day: “October 10 is World Mental Health Day and that’s the day we’re looking at launching the foundation officially.”

The actor, who entered the industry with Om Shanti Om (2007) alongside Shahrukh Khan, had shared earlier this year that she battled depression during her struggle to make it in Bollywood.

Becoming a symbol of strength for many who suffer silently, Deepika has been vocal about mental health awareness and has often stressed on the need to differentiate between sadness and depression.

In an earlier interview with Hindustan Times, she said, "Being sad and being depressed are two different things. Also, people going through depression don’t look so, while someone sad will look sad. The most common reaction is, ‘How can you be depressed? You have everything going for you. You are the supposed number one heroine and have a plush home, car, movies… What else do you want?’ It’s not about what you have or don’t have. People talk about physical fitness, but mental health is equally important."

Last seen in the blockbuster Piku, the actor is now gearing up for Tamasha where she’ll be playing the lead role alongside Ranbir Kapoor.